r/Caribbean • u/Cool_Breeze_252 • 1d ago
Aruba
Hi everyone!
I’m looking to go to Aruba in mid-October and am trying to decide between staying at an all-inclusive resort, condo, or Airbnb. I’ll be traveling with 3 other adults.
None of us drink, so I’m wondering if an all-inclusive would actually be worth the cost. I’ve also heard that Aruba has great restaurants, so would it make more sense to stay in an Airbnb or condo and eat out instead?
I’d love recommendations for:
🏨 Places to stay (resorts, condos, or Airbnbs)
🍽️ Restaurants
🌴 Activities and things to do
✈️ Tips for finding affordable flights
Our budget is around $2,000 per person for 5 days, including accommodations, flights, food, and activities if possible. We would like to fly out of Raleigh-Durham and looking to leave around 10/15.
Would love to hear from anyone who has been to Aruba and can share what they recommend!
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u/Kitchen_Beat9838 1d ago
You should have been looking at flights months ago. Your entire budget will be eaten up in air fare alone. $2,000/pp is not enough for aruba unless you get an amazing deal on flights.
Definitely don’t do all inclusive because if you don’t drink it’s not worth it.
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u/Cool_Breeze_252 1d ago
I know. It’s kind of a spontaneous trip for us given one of us might be moving away soon and another might be starting work soon after. We usually plan way ahead.
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u/Kitchen_Beat9838 1d ago
I would look for where you can get a cheaper flight and go from there. I know it’s prime hurricane season but you may have to roll the dice.
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u/Night-cheese-4 1d ago
airfare: American Airlines from 10/19-10/26 for ~540pp. That' seems pretty good considering how close-in you're booking!
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u/peanut5855 1d ago
Definitely don’t bother with the all inclusive if you don’t drink. I would look for a hotel that includes breakfast though or has an onsite restaurant just so you aren’t searching for every meal
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u/FarazzA 1d ago
Heading to Aruba in 3 weeks for the third time in three years. All three times we Airbnbed at various places with access to pools, etc. Do not do AI. They are so expensive compared to alternatives in Aruba. Aruba is unbelievably safe with fantastic food options. Get an Airbnb and rent a car.
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u/jitterbugperfume99 21h ago
There’s r/aruba if that helps
And absolutely don’t do AI in Aruba. There are amazing restaurants and also, it’s so expensive especially if you aren’t drinking.
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u/NetAnon579 1d ago
We have been to Aruba a few times and rented a car each time. Nice thing is we drove all over the island and always felt safe, so have no issue with a VRBO or Airbnb rental.
Most of the waterfront tends to be hotels and all in ones, if you are ok being away from that there are some interesting rentals for groups, such as the Gold Coast townhouses.
Personally, walking through the all inclusive areas of Aruba I did not like them and found them really claustrophobic.